Juvenile arrested in Massillon playground arson that caused $80,000 in damage

MASSILLON, Ohio - Police have arrested one juvenile after arson destroyed a playground in Massillon’s Shriver Park.

On Sunday, there were two separate fires at the park on Johnson Street SE. Massillon fire officials said first a couch was set on fire near the basketball courts at about 6:41 p.m. A little more than an hour later, Massillon firefighters were called back for a blaze at the swing set.

The fire was intentionally set and melted the plastic slide, which further fuelled the blaze. Fire officials said the equipment was a total loss, resulting in $80,000 in damage.

On Thursday, Massillon police, with the help of the Massillon City School District, arrested a juvenile for the playground equipment arson, according to the fire department. The suspect’s name will not be released.

While one arrest has been made, the fire department said this arson is still under investigation and they are looking to both incidents separately.

Anyone with information should call the Massillon Fire Department at 330-833-1053.